Biodiversity

[ Up ] [ Anime ] [ Art Honor Society ] [ Biodiversity ] [ Business Club/ DECA ] [ History Club ] [ Gay Straight Alliance ] [ Helping Paws ] [ Math Team ] [ Music Honor Society ] [ National Honor Society ] [ Producers Club ] [ Peer Counseling ] [ Ski/Snowboard Club ] [ Student Council ] [ TOADS ] [ Yearbook ] [ Greenteam ]

Contact Mr. Palmer at 508-835-4475 ext. 104 for more information. The program is open to any 6th, 7th or 8th grade, and high school students.

The Bio-Diversity Club has been Awarded:

Massachusetts Secretary's Award for Excellence in Environmental Education

The Massachusetts Audubon Societies Teacher of the Year Award for natural history education

The photo to the right was submitted to show the essence of the bio diversity club. This photo assisted in winning the award of excellence given to Mr. Palmers' club.

Advisor
Mr. Palmer: Bruce Palmer has been a tracker and naturalist all his life. He has done studies for the Audubon Society and worked with well established biologists. Some of the scientist include Paul Rezendes, Tom Brown, Tom Tiding, David Brown, and the Stokes. Mr. Palmer has been running the club for over 10 years and has had multiple recognitions for his work. He is currently writing a book on his tracking data. Bruce Palmer is very dedicated to his work and wishes to pass his love of the outdoors down to students, in some cases previous officers have gotten science and environmental degrees.

Click here to see the sanctuary Mr. Palmer worked for

Club Officers President: Ryan Zumpano

Vice President: Kyle Donaldson

Resident Herpetologist: Ben Baldi

(from left to right Ryan, Kyle, Ben)

Is it for me?

Do you get dirty? Do you like to be in the woods? Do you mind thousands of attacking bugs? If you answered YES to all of those then this clubs for YOU!

Our main objective is to observe and identify wildlife. Over the past decade more than 100 students have spent more than 5000 hours in the outdoors pursuing this goal. To date, we have identified and documented more than 300 different types of plants and animals

What We Do:
Depending on weather and events the biodiversity club means 10 Saturdays of the year. The field trips are two hours long and have a range in time from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. or the occasional night trip! We meet in West Boylston or on the borders of the town. the permission slip is sent to the email of a parent or guardian.

To become a club officer you have to pass a specific field test. once a class officer you are expected to show knowledge and maturity. These officers have meeting after school and in the outdoors where they do more advanced natural history work.

Biodiversity Naturalists
If you don't mind long hard walks in hot or cold weather, bugs, mud, being wet, carrying equipment, or getting dirty - then join us for a two hour field trip.
-Identification Skills-Naturalists are giving the opportunity to learn how to observe and identify local flora and fauna. Although we are interested in everything we concentrate specifically on trees, ferns, birds and mammals.
Students are required to maintain an index card learning log and notebook.
It is recommended that students have a natural journal, field bag, binoculars, camouflage clothing, and field guides.

Animation by James Masse

Biodiversity Trackers
For serious students that wish to immerse them selves in the natural world.
Candidates for this program need to successfully complete 30 hours as a naturalists. Applicants will then need to pass a "Field practical" examination conducted by the advisor and club officers.
-Data Collection- Students will scientifically document species and interpret data on the avian, mammal and tree projects as well as other independent projects and activities.
-Wildlife Observation-Students will learn how to utilize all senses in order to track by perfecting sustained silent behavior both while still and in motion.

Animation by Ben Baldi

How We Do It/Requirements for Middle/High School
Middle School
Middle School Students are given the opportunity to learn how to observe and identify local flora and fauna on two to four hour field trips. Although we are interested in everything we concentrate specifically on Trees, Ferns, Birds and Mammals

Requirements
A journal with a minimum of ten hand written full page entries and ten sketches. A list of 75 species, minimum, documented annually. Specific rules for various trips will need to be followed. Anyone unable to meet these and other club expectations will forfeit their registration to someone on the waiting list.

High School
For serious students that wish to immerse themselves in the natural world. Candidates for this program need to successfully complete five prerequisites

Prerequisites
Journal, Pencil, Passing School Grades, Less than 5 detentions, a Great Attitude!

Requirements
Advanced Wildlife Observation. Students will learn how to utilize all senses in order to track in time and space by perfecting sustained silent behavior both while still and in motion.

Plus one of the following-
Journal, 10 entries/ drawings annually
Eco-Data Collection/Analysis
Independent study-meet with advisor, guidance and administration.
Community service, see advisor.

Not required but recommended
An index card learning log, field bag, binoculars, camouflage clothing, field guides, magnifying glass, hiking shoes, measuring tape.

             We Need Your Assistance!!!!
           The Bio-diversity club is sustained in a large part due to the generosity of the community. We greatly appreciate and welcome contributions and donations. The following is a partial list of the type of items we could use.
       Binoculars, Scopes, Magnifiers, Books, Magazines, Nets, Camouflage clothing, Tape measures, Bird song tapes/ CD, Snow shoes, slide film and development, USGS topographical maps.
       Money in general is also accepted so we are able to purchase the aforementioned. It does not have to be a large donation. Every little bit helps, and we thank you for making your contribution!

All donations can be brought to Mr. Palmer

Parent Participation
Applicants for chaperones are available from the advisor. No adult is allowed to participate without registration and a Massachusetts C.O.R.I on file.